Bilingual Verbal Ability Tests (BVAT)
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Bicultural Efficacy, Bicultural Competence, and Culture The term bicultural efficacy has been defined and explained by LaFromboise et al. as an important dimension in the development of bicultural competence. Bicultural efficacy is an individual’s belief or confidence in his or her ability to live effectively and satisfactorily within two cultural groups without having to compromise his or her own sense of cultural identity. Bicultural efficacy is considered a crucial factor in acquiring and developing bicultural skills and is directly related to one’s ability to develop bicultural competence. Moreover, bicultural efficacy is also defined as an individual’s perceived expectation regarding his or her ability to handle the challenges of living within two cultures (without negative psychological outcomes) or having to compromise his or her personal and cultural identity. As self-efficacy has been positively associated with performance, bicultural efficacy has also been positively associated with bicultural competence. Bicultural competence is considered an important aspect of interacting within two cultures. It is relevant for both majority and minority persons who attempt to acquire competence in a bicultural and/or multicultural setting. In addition, the development of cultural efficacy is considered a vital factor in assisting individuals to become more effective within bicultural and/or multicultural settings. LaFromboise et al. state specifically that bicultural efficacy can determine an individual’s ability to acquire ‘‘a range of culturally or situationally appropriate behaviors or roles in a second culture’’; to perform efficiently within one’s role; to communicate skillfully (both verbally and nonverbally); to uphold roles and affiliations within one’s culture of origin; and to handle and manage acculturation stress. The manner in which culture has been defined is important when discussing bicultural competence and bicultural efficacy. A commonly agreed upon definition of culture
has not been established. Nevertheless, there exist many theoretical explanations that concern the meaning, influence, and significance of culture. Culture, as defined in the literature, includes, among other factors, the acquisition of a specific set of beliefs, values, norms, morals, customs, institutions, individual dynamics, life histories, and overall experiences. Culture is also presented as involving the process whereby knowledge, skills, and attitudes are acquired and transmitted from generation to generation. Language transmission is also considered a relevant component of culture. Furthermore, culture is viewed as a learned behavior and as a construct distinct from ‘‘race’’ and ‘‘ethnicity.’’ The behavioral model of culture addresses what is required to become biculturally competent. There is, however, no universal standard used to measure bicultural competence. Nonetheless, bicultural competence includes social skills, personality development, and the ability to manage effectively the challenges of living within two disti
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